Thoroughbred Industry Careers (TIC) and Pony Club Australia (PCA) are proud to launch the second season of the National Pony Racing Series, this time with a new initiative that gives young riders an even more accessible point into pony racing.
This season, the series will run across six states – New South Wales, South Australia, Tasmania, Victoria, Western Australia, and Queensland – culminating in the Finals, to be held on the Gold Coast in June 2025.
Pony Racing Australia Ambassador for her second season, Lizzie Jelfs said, “Racing has given me so much, from looking after racehorses’ hands-on, to my current role in broadcast media, I’m not sure how my life would have looked without this industry. I’m not from a racing background, I was just lucky enough to fall into it, so I believe creating pathways for young people is so important. The National Pony Racing Series is building a whole new community that is being educated on the opportunities available to them.”
TIC and PCA have added to this year’s program “Jumpstart Weekends”, which are designed to engage and inspire the next generation of equestrian talent.
Open to all Pony Club members, regardless of age or the size of their pony or horse, the Jumpstart Weekends will help riders develop essential race-ready skills while providing an accessible entry point into pony racing. These events are perfect for riders who are new to the sport or those looking to sharpen their abilities with the support of experienced coaches.
Over two action-packed days, participants will build important skills such as balance, control, and riding techniques. The first day focuses on horse health and riding basics, while day two gives riders the chance to put their skills to the test in a fun gymkhana-style event at a local racetrack. Those who meet the selection criteria will advance to further training, which could lead to a spot in the state qualifying races.
With 12 qualifying races and 120 riders expected to compete, the series showcases emerging talent, with participants wearing racing colours sponsored by some of the biggest names in Australian racing; Arrowfield Stud, Carl and Lorraine Holt, Chris Waller Racing, Ciaron Maher Racing, Frank and Christine Cook, Godolphin, Hermitage Thoroughbreds, Inglis, Lizzie Jelfs Racing Club, Magic Millions, Peachester Lodge, Pinecliff Racing, Ranvet, Ridgemont Farm, Seymour Bloodstock, Swettenham Stud, Thoroughbred Breeders Australia, Woppitt Bloodstock and Yulong Stud.
The Principal Racing Authorities in Western Australia, South Australia, Tasmania, Victoria, and Queensland are also financially contributing to Season 2 of Pony Racing.
Pony Club Australia CEO Matt Helmers said the Jumpstart Weekends add another pillar to the already popular series, by allowing riders to further develop in a fun, supportive atmosphere.
“Pony Racing has been a long-standing sport in Ireland, the UK, and France, and its introduction to Australia has already provided a fantastic opportunity for our young riders to display their skills,” Helmers said.
“The National Pony Racing Series is a fresh and exciting opportunity in Australia’s equestrian scene.”
The state qualifying races are for members aged between 9 and 15 years old with the height of ponies capped at 14hh. For further information, find the Pony Racing Rules & Selection Guidelines here:
https://bit.ly/3ZxoV3k
For more information on Jumpstart Weekends, upcoming qualifying races, or to arrange interviews with spokespeople from TIC or PCA, please contact:
Lindy Maurice
Thoroughbred Industry Careers – Chief Executive & Founder
M: 0488 066 604
E: lindy@tbindustrycareers.com.au
2024/25 National Pony Racing Series Schedule of Events
NEW SOUTH WALES
Saturday 26th October 2024 – Jump Start Day 1: Kootingal Pony Club, Moonbi
https://pca.justgo.com/workbench/public/events?ref=E7EFA4B787FCE2FE8132F6B9710D866C93E8DDF0
Sunday 27th October 2024 – Jump Start Day 2: Novelty Race Day, Tamworth Jockey Club
Saturday 16th November 2024 – Jump Start Day 1: Matcham Pony Club, Gosford
https://pca.justgo.com/workbench/public/events?ref=2EE013972106CF8872E3A1350100271B1E89ADE9
Sunday 17th November 2024 – Jump Start Day 2: Novelty Race Day, Gosford Racecourse
Friday 13th December 2024 – Training Day: Newcastle Racecourse
Saturday 14th December 2024 – NSW State Qualifying Race Day: Newcastle Racecourse
SOUTH AUSTRALIA
Saturday 23rd November 2024 – Jump Start Day 1: Onkaparinga Pony Club
https://pca.justgo.com/workbench/public/events?ref=68325A0F11A37E7C40E724F78B0434F47A7D9218
Sunday 24th November 2024 – Jump Start Day 2: Oakbank Racing Club
Saturday 7th December 2024 – Training Day: Murray Bridge Racecourse
Sunday 8th December 2024 – State Qualifying Raceday: Murray Bridge Racecourse
TASMANIA
Saturday 15th February 2025 – Jump Start Day 1: Deloraine Pony Club grounds
https://pca.justgo.com/workbench/public/events?ref=3BA35397C63CAAE88BA914D3F42C68AA75337F42
Sunday 16th February 2025 – Jump Start Day 2: Novelty Raceday, Longford Racecourse
Thursday 20th February 2025 – Training Day, Launceston Racecourse
Friday 21st February 2025 – State Qualifying Raceday, Launceston Racecourse
VICTORIA
Saturday 8th March 2025 – Jump Start Day 1: Ballarat Pony Club
https://pca.justgo.com/workbench/public/events?ref=C173BD94826CA5A07FDD2D2E0963EC2E93992440
Sunday 9th March 2025 – Jump Start Day 2: Ballarat Racecourse
Friday 21st March 2025 – Training Day: Moonee Valley Racecourse
Saturday 22nd March 2025 – State Qualifying Raceday: Moonee Valley Racecourse
WESTERN AUSTRALIA
Saturday 12th April 2025 – Jump Start Day 1: Serpentine Horse & Pony Club
https://pca.justgo.com/workbench/public/events?ref=54CD8DD9F77180DECE294B27ADC9E52E3FB27DE3
Sunday 13th April 2025 – Jump Start Day 2: Lark Hill Racecourse, Port Kennedy
Thursday 17th April 2025 – Training Day: Ascot Racecourse, Perth
Friday 18th April 2025 – State Qualifying Raceday: Ascot Racecourse, Perth
QUEENSLAND
Saturday 10th May 2025 – Jump Start Day 1: TBA Pony Club
https://pca.justgo.com/workbench/public/events…
Sunday 11th May 2025 – Jump Start Day 2: Gold Coast Turf Club
Sunday 18th May 2025 – Training Day: Gold Coast Turf Club
Friday Night 23rd May 2025 – State Qualifying Raceday: Gold Coast Turf Club
THE FINALS – QUEENSLAND, JUNE 2025
#galloptowardsaracingcareer
IMAGES BELOW TAKEN FROM THE 2023/24 NATIONAL PONY RACING SERIES
ENDS